Strong solar storm hits Earth

An unusually strong solar storm hit Earth, triggering a severe geomagnetic storm warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm, which arrived earlier than expected on Friday, could disrupt power grids and communications, and is expected to last through the weekend and possibly into next week. It might also produce visible northern lights across the U.S., extending as far south as Alabama and Northern California. Although the auroras won’t display the full spectrum of colors typically seen, they may appear as greenish hues, which could be better captured with phone cameras than seen with the naked eye. Power operators and spacecraft are advised to take precautions. The storm, part of increased solar activity as the sun nears the peak of its 11-year cycle, also poses risks to satellite functions, potentially affecting navigation and communication services on Earth.

Source: AP News